How to Find Funds for Therapy

One of the biggest challenges families often face is funding all the therapies their children need. This guide provides resources Northeast Ohio families can use to help pay for therapies, specialized education, equipment, and more.

Step 1: Call your insurance provider.

Before beginning your search, call your health insurance provider to determine what they will cover. Many insurers offer coverage for a limited number of therapy visits with associated diagnosis and still others may have complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) programs that cover therapies like aquatics, etc. If therapies aren't covered, you may want to consider whether an insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is an option for your family. See the Insurance section for more information.

Step 2: Check with the Children with Medical Handicaps Program.

The Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH) is a supplemental insurance program that helps families to cover out-of-pocket costs for diagnosis and treatment of conditions classified as “medical handicaps.” See the Children with Medical Handicaps Program section for more information.

Step 3: Ask your school district.

Depending on your child’s age and disability status, you may be entitled to therapy services through early intervention or through your home school district. For more information on these options, see Early Intervention (birth to 3) and Schools (3 and up).

Step 4: Look for resources in your county of residence.

Depending on your income and county of residence, you may be eligible for a county-based family assistance program. See the County Resources section for more information.

Step 5: Apply for a scholarship.

The state of Ohio offers scholarships for children with an autism diagnosis and for children with other disabilities attending a public school under an IEP. Both scholarships have rolling enrollment deadlines and require students to “opt out” of home school districts. For more information, see the Scholarships section.

Step 6: Apply for grants from nonprofits or charitable foundations.

There are many nonprofit and charitable foundations across Northeast Ohio (and the state) that offer grants to families in need.Criteria for grants vary, so be sure to read and study requirements for each grant to determine whether you qualify. See the Nonprofits & Charitable Foundations section for a list of options.

Step 7: Contact a lending library.

Nonprofit “lending libraries” sometimes purchase therapy equipment and allow families to borrow these big-ticket items to provide at-home therapies. Check the Lending Libraries section for a list of these resources.

Step 8: Try fundraising.

More and more families are using online fundraising websites to help pay for therapies and treatments that are not covered by medical insurance. The Fundraising Sites section identifies a few of the largest online fundraising sites.

Using Insurance

When calling your insurance provider, have your diagnosis codes ready and be sure to ask about:

If Therapies Aren't Covered:

Unfortunately, many insurance providers do not cover therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational and speech therapies. If your provider does not cover the therapies your child needs, you may wish to consider a separate insurance plan for your child through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as "Obamacare."

If Medications Aren't Covered:

Families who use medications to help their children get the most from therapies may see a cost savings (which can result in additional money for therapies) by using several different prescription cost reduction options:

Search for prescription discount cards. Many manufacturers offer prescription discount cards in order to keep patients from using generic label medications. Check the manufacturer websites for these offers.

Purchase prescriptions from warehouse clubs. Warehouse club pharmacies (such as Costco and Sam's) often offer members prescriptions at a lower cost. Call the pharmacies to check the prices when refilling your child's medications.

Use GoodRX for prescription discount coupons. GoodRX is a free website that allows you to search for your prescription, compare costs from local pharmacies and print discount coupons.

Ask your child's healhcare provider. Sometimes similar medications with a lower cost can work as well as another medication. Ask your child's healthcare provider for other options with lower costs.

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What is a diagnosis code?

Diagnosis codes are used to identify a specific illness or injury and will be assigned by your health care professional. These codes are then used by your insurer to determine eligibility for benefits.

Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH)

Diagnostic: Children can receive services from CMH-approved providers to rule out a special health care need, diagnose a condition or develop a plan of treatment.

Treatment: Children can receive services from CMH-approved providers to treat an eligible condition. The family must also be financially eligible.

Service Coordination: Helps families locate and coordinate services for their child. This program does not pay for medical services. Financial eligibility is not required for this program.

You can learn more about CMH and begin the application process from the Ohio Department of Health website. Please note that only a CMH provider can submit your application. Ask your child's health care provider if they are a CMH health care provider or use the locator from the Ohio Department of health to find a provider near you.

The Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH)
is a state-run program that provides supplemental insurance to families
of children diagnosed with a medical handicap. These diagnoses may
include (but are not limited to):

Birth defect

Hearing loss

Diabetes

Epilepsy

Cancer

Sickle cell disease

Hemophilia

Chronic lung disease

Cerebral palsy

Spina bifida

PKU and other metabolic conditions

Congenital heart disease

Early Intervention (birth to 3)

Ohio's Early Intervention (EI) Program is available at no cost to all Ohio families with qualifying children under three years of age. Call 1-800-755-4769 or complete the online referral to get started with this service.

Autism & EI

The Federal Government requires EI to provide Applied Behavior Analysis services (or pay for a qualified outside firm to provide them) for children under the age of three. Several firms have are certified to provide these services in Cuyahoga County. For more information, contact your EI caseworker.

Schools

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), school-aged children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Depending upon the student’s disability status, elements of FAPE may include therapy services, such as speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Disability status is evaluated and determined by the student’s home district. For more information or to request an evaluation, contact your local school board.

Whose IDEA is This?

County Resources

Both Lorain and Cuyahoga counties offer services through departments of developmental disabilities ranging from therapy and educational services to camps, transportation, assistive devices and financial support.

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD)

In addition to therapies, training and service and support administration offered through the board of developmental disabilities, Cuyahoga County residents with a financial need may apply for family resource dollars. CCBDD also offers financial support for camps through its campership program. For more information, see the Family Support Program website. For all other services, see the main site.

In addition to service and support administration offered through the board of developmental disabilities, Lorain County residents with a financial need may apply for family resource dollars. For more information, see the Family Support Program website. For all other services, see the main site.

Types of services the may be covered by county boards of developmental disabilities:

Respite Care

Special Equipment

Home Modifications

Special Diets

Counseling, Training and Education

Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy

Diapers/wipes and/or underpads due to special needs of individuals five years of age or older.

Scholarships

Two state-level scholarships are available to families of eligible school-aged children (5 and up) with disabilities. Students must have an IEP and be willing to “opt out” of all public school services to receive these scholarships.

Autism Scholarship Program (ASP)

this scholarship allows parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders to waive public education and use state reimbursement to cover education and services outlined in a child’s IEP. Services must be provided from the approved autism scholarship provider list. Learn more about the application process and check for eligibility here.

Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program (JPSN)

Allows parents of children on an IEP to waive public education and use state reimbursement to cover education and supportive services under any disability diagnosis. Services must be provided from the approved Peterson scholarship provider list. Learn more about the application process and check for eligibility here.

Nonprofits & Charitable Foundations

A number of nonprofits and charitable organizations offer funding in the form of grants and scholarships. Application periods vary as do application criteria. For more information, please contact the nonprofit or foundation directly.

The following grants can be used for more general concerns, such as education, therapies, respite services, camps or recreation:

Chive Charities
Offers grants for individuals with rare diagnosis to assist with costs of therapy equipment & sessions not covered by insurance, handicap accessible home & car modifications, purchasing of developmental & learning devices and other medical needs as recommended by a medical professional.chivecharities.org

Different Needz Foundation
Helps families to purchase medical and adapted equipment or services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Grants may not be used for iPads/tablets, service animals, motor vehicles, or items to be purchased on Amazon.
1-216-904-5151
info@differentneedzfoundation.orgwww.differentneedzfoundation.org

Easter Seals: Elyria Rotary Children with Special Needs Fund(Lorain county residents only) Provides assistance to children (under 17) with disabilities for equipment, supplies, services or treatment that would not be considered payable by any other means. Contact Murry Ridge Center Service and Support Administration for an application.
1-440-324-2366
1-440-233-4600www.murrayridgecenter.org

Easter Seals: Campership Program
Provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who may not otherwise be able to afford summer camp. Scholarship allows an individual to attend the camp of their choice (overnight or day camp available).
1-888-324-8532noh.easterseals.com

Humanitarian Foundation - Grottoes of North America
Nonprofit organization that brings “Special Smiles” to children with special needs by providing them much-needed dental care. The program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, excluding hospital and hospital anesthesia costs, for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders, those with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome and dental treatment for organ transplant recipients.
614-933-9193hfgrotto.org

The Maggie Welby Foundation
Offers grants for children and families who have a financial need for a particular purpose. Grants may extend to children and families in need of help with bills, athletic opportunities, medical needs, or an opportunity that a child would not otherwise have. Scholarship assistance is also available to families with a financial need.
1-314-330-6947
info@maggiewelby.orgwww.maggiewelby.org

Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities
Provides family grants to assist with the costs of providing medical treatments and therapies not otherwise covered by health insurance. Ohio grant application form can be found at the bottom of the page.
1-630-539-5977www.mccdcares.com

Mike's Kids
Provides assistance via services, equipment, education, special care and respite support to children with special needs and their families.
info@mikes-kids.orgwww.mikes-kids.org

Pediatric Angel Network
Nonprofit charity created to help chronically ill and disabled children live their healthiest life possible by providing them with supplies and resources to meet their basic needs and to provide some relief for the families that are struggling with a hardship in their care.
1-800-620-3620
info@pediatricangelnetwork.comwww.pediatricangelnetwork.com

Parker’s Purpose
Provides up to $1,000 to any family who has a minor (18 and under) with a life-altering illness or disability and is in financial crisis due to unforeseen medical expenses. Funds may be used as the recipient deems fit to help with their situation.
1-419-334-7275
parkerspurpose@gmail.comparkerspurpose.net

Special Kids Therapy(Ohio residents only) Provides support, financial assistance, as well as programs and activities for families with children with special health care needs. Family scholarships cover the cost of equipment or therapies and activities that are not funded by insurance or other agencies.
1-419-422-5607specialkidstherapy.org

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation
Provides financial relief (up to $5,000 with lifetime max of $10,000) for families who have children (16 or younger) with medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. Must have commercial healthcare/dental to apply.
1-855-MY-UHCCFwww.uhccf.org

Variety: The Children's Charity
Variety focuses on multiple unmet needs of children who are sick, disadvantaged or live with disabilities and other special needs at a local and national level. Our aim is to maximize the real long term positive social impact for all children. NOTE: there is no local chapter for the Cleveland area - inquiries should be directed to the national level.
1-323-954-0820
info@usvariety.org usvariety.org

Zane’s Foundation, Inc.(Northeast Ohio residents only) Provides funding assistance to families with children with disabilities so that they may receive necessities not covered by insurance, government agencies or other organizations. Applicants must have an IEP, ISP, or lifelong disability that affects capacity for independent living, economic self-sufficiency, learning, mobility, social skills, receptive and expressive language, self-care, or self-direction.
1-330-677-9263www.zanesfoundation.org

These grants can help to improve accessibility through home modifications, access to wheel chairs and mobility devices or by helping to purchase adaptive equipment.

Association of Blind Citizens (ABC)
The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000.
1-781-961-1023
president@blindcitizens.orgblindcitizens.org

Chive Charities
Offers grants for individuals with rare diagnosis to assist with costs of therapy equipment & sessions not covered by insurance, handicap accessible home & car modifications, purchasing of developmental & learning devices and other medical needs as recommended by a medical professional.chivecharities.org

Community Fund Management Foundation (CFMF)
Offers grants for Ohio residents with disabilities to help cover the costs of home modifications and adaptive equipment.
1-216-736-4540
info@cfmf.orgcfmf.org

Different Needz Foundation
Helps families to purchase medical and adapted equipment or services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Grants may not be used for iPads/tablets, service animals, motor vehicles, or items to be purchased on Amazon.
1-216-904-5151
info@differentneedzfoundation.orgwww.differentneedzfoundation.org

National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility (NOVA) Mobility Assistance Grant Program
This program is directed to individuals with disabilities who have secured the majority of the money needed to fund vehicle modification products and just need some additional help to reach their goal.
574-607-5995novafunding.org

Variety: The Children's Charity
Variety focuses on multiple unmet needs of children who are sick, disadvantaged or live with disabilities and other special needs at a local and national level. Variety's aim is to maximize the real long term positive social impact for all children. NOTE: There is no local chapter for the Cleveland area - inquiries should be directed to the national level.
1-323-954-0820
info@usvariety.org usvariety.org

The following grants are designated for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis:

ACT Today! Nonprofit organization providing resources (including referrals, funding and guidance) to individuals with ASD and their families. A separate branch of ACT Today! Also supports military families. 1-818-705-1625
info@act-today.orgwww.act-today.org

iTaalk Autism Foundation Families with a child who is diagnosed with ASD may apply to receive an iPad at no charge. Recipients must attend a training session.
1-567-377-5710 itaalk.org

Cindy Donald Dreams of Recovery Foundation
Assists individuals with paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injuries in receiving continued therapeutic exercise to promote neurological recovery, maintain health and fitness, and enhance quality of life.
1-770-675-6565
dreamsofrecovery@gmail.comhttp://www.dreamsofrecovery.org

Giving Angels Foundation
At the Giving Angels Foundation, our mission is to enhance the daily functioning of a child with a physical disability from a low income family by awarding grants for life-changing equipment, medical supplies, essential family bills, specialized camps and therapeutic toys.
1-267-332-1320
grants@givingangelsfoundation.orggivingangelsfoundation.org

Humanitarian Foundation - Grottoes of North America
Nonprofit organization that brings “Special Smiles” to children with special needs by providing them much-needed dental care. The program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, excluding hospital and hospital anesthesia costs, for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders, those with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome and dental treatment for organ transplant recipients.
614-933-9193hfgrotto.org

Kya's Crusade
The Financial Assistance Program provides grants for adaptive equipment, hippotherapy and physical and occupational therapy not covered by insurance. The program is open to children under 18 with a confirmed diagnosis of a life-long physical disability affecting the child’s motor skills/mobility, for which physical/occupational therapy is part of their treatment regimen.
1-614-750-2198
financialassist@kyaskrusade.orgwww.kyaskrusade.org

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Elsie S. Bellows Fund
National program that provides funds to individuals with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology equipment. You can apply through your UCP Local Affiliate (UCP Greater Cleveland). Each application is forwarded to the national UCP office for review and approval for funding by the Bellows Funds Committee.
1-216-791-8363
info@ucpcleveland.orgwww.ucpcleveland.org

The following grants can be used to help cover the cost of speech and language therapy or communication devices:

The Orange Effect Foundation
The Orange Effect Foundation is a 501(c)3 foundation that empowers children and young adults (21 and under) with speech disorders to effectively communicate through technology and speech therapy.
1-888-554-2014
info@theorangeeffect.orgwww.theorangeeffect.org

Local Grants (based in Ohio)

Community Fund Management Foundation(Middleburg Heights)

Doc's Deepwood Run Foundation(Mentor)

Easter Seals: Elyria Rotary Children with Special Needs Fund (Lorain)

Easter Seals Campership Program (Northern OH)

Lil MAC Kids (Lewis Center)

iTaalk (Toledo)

James R. Nicholl Memorial Foundation (Lorain)

Kya's Crusade (Gahanna)

Mike's Kids (Elyria)

The Orange Effect Foundation(Cleveland)

Parker's Purpose (Fremont)

Special Kids Therapy (Findlay)

Zane's Foundation, Inc. (Stow)

Lending Libraries

Special needs lending libraries loan adaptive and medical equipment to families for short-term needs (for example, to assess whether an item is useful to an individual or to substitute for a broken item while it is repaired).

Assistive Technology of Ohio

Offers adaptive devices (switches, keyboards, positioning seats, phones, iPads) and toys with the intent of helping Ohioans with disabilities to try items before making a purchase as well as a trading post (where families can trade/donate used devices) and a device rental program for low-vision/CCTV equipment.

Matthew’s Lending Library

(Lakewood, OH) Nonprofit providing adaptive therapy equipment and capability switch operated toys to children and young adults with special needs. Must apply for membership (click Contact tab for form).

The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project

We facilitate the exchange of new and gently used pediatric medical equipment to/from individuals and families nationwide whose health conditions no longer require the equipment, or whose children have outgrown the equipment’s size. Items donated to The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project are advertised as available on our website, along with the location of the item. Any family who has a need for a particular item can download an application to “adopt” the piece of equipment. Once approved, the item will then be shipped from the donor family to the family presenting the need. We also look for corporate sponsors to donate new equipment, as well.

RePlay for Kids

Works with agencies in Northeast Ohio to adapt mainstream battery-operated toys for the children they serve. If you qualify as a low-income family at your supporting agency, you may be able to receive a free adapted toy through the RePlay @Home program.

Online Guide to Assistive Technology Programs in Ohio

Through a grant with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council has published a list of lending libraries across the State of Ohio. These libraries provide access to assistive technology, medical equipment and adaptive toys to support people with developmental disabilities.

Fundraising Sites

Several sites allow you to set up fundraising accounts for your child so family and friends can donate.

Fund It Forward

Nonprofit helping families to raise money for adaptive equipment not covered by health insurance. Organization funds family requests with the promise that the family will raise funds for the future requests of others.

Kiddie Pool (from Adaptive Mall)

Free service program that works like a fundraiser. Your family joins the program and a custom webpage is created for your child with special needs. Donations made on behalf of your child that will be put into an account on Adaptivemall.com. Once your child has received enough donations, you can redeem them for the products desired. There is no charge to use the Kiddie Pool program.